A Tale of Two Women Sitting Down
Reading: VanHoozer, Kevin First Theology
Enjoying: White grape juice
Listening: Dave's iPAQ Podcast #39
Rosa Parks, the iconic leader of the civil rights movement, died at the age of 92 the other day. At a wholly different scenario of time, ethos, and position, Harriet Miers resigned her candidacy for the SCOTUS seat President George W. Bush had nominated her for.
The differences between the two women are quite obvious: an African-American woman in a completely different America, quietly obeying the law by refusing to submit to poor readings of it. The other woman - white, educated, a close aid to the President - caught between political megaliths too big for any one person to handle. And yet, I wonder if there are several poetic similarities between these two Southern ladies.
Both women saw suffering that wasn't theirs to endure. Mrs. Parks suffering due to the racism and bigotry that was part and parcel of the zeigeist of Southern America in those days forced her, and all African-Americans with her, to endure a pressure and degradation that was both unfair, unfounded, and sinful. Unique to herself, though was the additional weight of incarceration, public scorn, and the trauma only known to her own soul of what those nights alone in jail must have been like. After the situation had calmed, she was unable to find work in the area due to her reputation and infamy, and she and her husband were forced to find work elsewhere - namely Detroit, Michigan.
Ms. Miers became the shibboleth of a divided political party, and the crystallized error of one man's administration. Unable to give her own personal defense before the Senate committee, she was publicly carried about in conversations that often paraded any and every fault to be found, and forced scrutiny on her that most would not wish on their enemies. President Bush's idiosyncracies and failures became hers; her career and life became a public antitype for all the present Administration's flaws. (As an aside, it was particularly difficult for What the Thunder Said to see the ruthless knifing performed on a woman. Perhaps this is unenlightened chauvinism, but after the gauntlet Ms. Miers endured, we would prefer not having to see anyone, though especially a woman, have to go through something similar ever again.)
Parks got herself into trouble for sitting down where society thought she wasn't allowed to sit. Society kept Miers from sitting on the bench she was nominated for. It was a good thing that Parks sat for, and good came from it. Providence has yet to reveal whether Miers dismissal will be a boon or a bane.
I am thankful for each of these women, and sorry for the public ordeals each had to surmount. May we faithfully study history, to learn the mistakes and successes encapsulated in each, that we would not burden other sons and daughters with our haughty pride.
Rosa Lee Parks on why she wasn't afraid of being arrested in Montgomery, Alabama
"I don't know why I wasn't, but I didn't feel afraid. I had decided that I would have to know once and for all what rights I had as a human being and a citizen, even in Montgomery, Alabama."
Harriet Ellan Miers in her letter designating her intention to remove herself
Dear Mr. President,
I write to withdraw as a nominee to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. I have been greatly honored and humbled by the confidence that you have shown in me, and have appreciated immensely your support and the support of many others... I am most grateful for the opportunity to have served your Administration and this country.
Labels: City of Man, Events, Philosophy
well more on Isis in my posts rather soon maby friday g2g!
Posted by
Anonymous |
10/27/2005 02:44:00 PM
What the Thunder Said-
I don't know why you told me your blog wasn't worth reading, just to let you know I actually enjoy it.-kmb
Posted by
Anonymous |
10/27/2005 03:46:00 PM
Senixi -
Looking forward to Isis info.
kmb -
When are you going to let me see your blog?! Post a link, man! Also, email me so I can get your address. God bless, brother.
blund
Posted by
blund |
10/27/2005 10:12:00 PM
Hello!
I am contacting you because I am working with the authors of a book about blogs, and I'd like to request permission to use the photograph you have posted in this book. Please contact me at mattvid07@gmail.com, and I'd be happy to give you more information about the project. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Matt
Posted by
Matt's Blog |
10/10/2007 10:48:00 AM
Hello!
I am contacting you because I am working with the authors of a book about blogs, and I'd like to request permission to use the photograph you have posted in this book. Please contact me at mattvid07@gmail.com, and I'd be happy to give you more information about the project. Please indicate the name of your blog in any response. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Matt
Posted by
Matt |
12/13/2007 11:31:00 AM
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